The Colorado Rockies (57-68) face the Chicago Cubs (55-72) in a doubleheader Wednesday to play the final two games of their three-game series. First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET at Let’s analyze the lines around the Rockies vs. Cubs Game 1 odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Rockies RHP German Marquez (11-9, 3.80 ERA) makes his 26th start. He has a 1.17 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 9.2 K/9 through 147 IP.
- Marquez, like the Rockies, is much different on the road than at home. He is 8-2 with a 3.13 ERA at Coors Field but is 3-7 with a 4.81 ERA on the road.
- He allowed 7 earned runs in 4 innings against the San Francisco Giants Aug. 12 in his last road outing.
Cubs RHP Zach Davies (6-10, 5.04 ERA) makes his 27th start. He has a 1.51 WHIP, 4.5 BB/9 and 6.8 K/9 through 126 2/3 IP.
- The Cubs have lost his last five starts and he has an 8.25 ERA over that span.
- He faced the Rockies Aug. 3 in Denver and allowed 7 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks in 4 innings taking a loss in a 13-6 defeat.
Rockies at Cubs Game 1 odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:46 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Rockies -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Cubs +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Against the spread/ATS: Rockies -1.5 (+122) | Cubs +1.5 (-155)
- Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)
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Prediction
Cubs 5, Rockies 3
Money line (ML)
The Rockies’ 14 road wins are the fewest in the majors and they have dropped seven of their last eight games on the road. They are 2-2 against the Cubs this season.
The Cubs’ win Monday ended a 13-game losing skid at home. They are 3-15 in their last 18 games. They have lost nine of Davies’ last 10 starts.
This is a tough call but even considering the Cubs’ slump and their performance with Davies on the mound, but the Rockies’ year-long struggles on the road leave Chicago as the play.
Take the CUBS (+125).
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The Rockies have the third-lowest road cover percentage in the league at 41.7%. They have failed to cover five of their last seven road games.
The Cubs are 4-13 ATS in their last 17 games but 3-3 ATS in their last six. They are 27-36 ATS at Wrigley Field.
Since I expect them to win outright as the underdog taking the CUBS +1.5 (-155) is the right ATS play – although you get the better value from the money line.
Over/Under (O/U)
Just over half the games at Wrigley Field (50.8%) have gone Over the projected total.
Each of the Rockies’ last eight games has had 7 or more runs, although this game will be different as it will only be 7 innings. They have had four doubleheaders this season and all four openers have had totals of 7 or more runs.
Four of the last five games for the Cubs have had 7 or more runs. The Cubs had two doubleheaders this season and one of the two opening games finished with a total of more than 6 runs.
Take OVER 6.5 (-122).
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